Fish or fish bait life preservation apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A novel system, apparatus and method of operation for use in watercraft, terrestrially bound motor vehicles and fixed based land applications where water from a live well or bait tank is withdrawn, filtered, climactically controlled and conveyed through a water conditioning unit containing in part a heat exchanging unit with a generally serpentined contour water passageway, the water passageway formed and structured in a manner to allow water, or another fluid within the passageway to abut and surround a generally serpentine form tubular conduit containing a pressurized refrigerant with the water routed within the passageway maintaining continuous contact with the conduit then exiting the heat exchanging unit returned to the live well tank or bait tank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PENDING APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/650,158 filed Aug. 28, 2003 now U.S. Pat.No. 6,962,019, entitled An Enhanced Filtration and Water ConditioningSystem for a Bait Tank which is a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/293,117 filed on Nov. 13, 2002 (nowabandoned) entitled “FISH OR FISH BAIT LIFE PRESERVATION APPARATUS ANDMETHOD”, both applications incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for thetemporary captive storage of live gamefish and other similar aquaticanimals. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system,apparatus and method where water from a live well or bait tank iswithdrawn, filtered, climactically controlled, and conveyed through awater conditioning compartment containing a refrigerant based coolingmeans, and returned to the live well tank or bait tank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional live wells provided in modern recreational fishing boatstypically provide a battery-operated electric water pump for selectivelyfilling the tank with water drawn from a lake (or ocean) and an overflowdischarge line to maintain a maximum level of water in the tank andprevent overfilling thereof. More sophisticated live wells also providea pump-operated aeration system for withdrawing water contained in thetank and spraying it in return into the tank to replenish any oxygenfrom the water consumed by fish or bait stored therein. An electrictiming device is sometimes provided to periodically actuate andde-actuate the aeration system. In addition, it is normally necessary inpractice to periodically operate the fill pump for the tank to dischargethrough the overflow line fish scales, slime secretions and wastedischarges which captured fish typically expel in their normally excitedstate after being placed in the live well. A timing device may thereforealso be provided in conjunction with the live well fill pump toautomatically perform this overflow discharge periodically.

Despite the above-described provisions in the most sophisticatedconventional live wells for maintaining a relatively clean body ofcontained water in the live well and for continuously aerating thewater, experience has shown that even the most sophisticated live wellsare incapable of reliably maintaining captured fish alive for more thanone to three hours. The severity of this problem can be affected bynumerous factors, including the particular species of fish involved, thecondition and excited nature of the fish, the condition of the waterutilized in the live well including for instance its oxygen content andtemperature, etc., all of which make it difficult to evaluate anddetermine the reason or reasons for this problem.

Fish located in the live well are typically from water cooler intemperature than that experienced in a live well. Consequently, a majordeficiency with conventional live wells is that once the live well isfilled with fluid, the temperature of the fluid will eventually reach orexceed ambient air temperature and/or the temperature of water fromwhich the fish has been removed. The present invention addresses thisdeficiency and advances the art by reducing the temperature of the fluidin the live well via refrigerant based cooling means to maintain atemperature closer to the normal habitat of the fish and reduce thelikelihood of shocking the fish.

It is theorized that one of the principal causes of problems inmaintaining captured fish alive is the excited nature of the fish whenplaced in a generally enclosed live well or similar tank. As mentionedabove, in this excited condition, fish tend to lose some portion oftheir scales and their natural slime secretions as well as to dischargebodily wastes and even to vomit the contents of their digestive tracts.All of this foreign matter in the water in a live well poses a danger tothe fish in that the foreign matter may become lodged in the fish'sgills during normal breathing. Moreover, the excited nature of the fishsignificantly increases its metabolism causing it to utilize oxygen fromthe water at a significantly increased rate. Finally, it is known thatfish are relatively sensitive to the temperature of the ambient body ofwater and, therefore, any difference in the temperature of the water inthe live well from that of the surrounding ambient body of water,particularly when the live well water is elevated, may exacerbate theexcited condition of the fish. As distinguished from the instantinvention, conventional live wells make essentially no provision forcompensating for any of these factors, other than the afore describedprovision of water overflow and refilling of the live well and anaeration system for replenishing oxygen to the water contained in thelive well.

Occasionally ice is used as a cooling agent but commercially made icegenerally contains chlorine, fluorine and other chemicals which arefatal to bait and fish and further most waters supplied for human usecontain chemicals, such as chlorine, which cause the death of aquaticlife. More often than not, no effort is made to precisely controltemperature as well as the oxygen content of the water containing baitand fish and both of these elements require precise control to preservebait and fish in an alive condition. As is known, the temperature ofwater is inversely proportional to the amount of oxygen that the watercontains and this is commonly overlooked by a fisherman in carrying hisbait and fish about. It is a common practice for fisherman to fill hisbait and/or fish bucket from a water source such as a lake at hisfishing site and in summer the surface water is relatively hot andoxygen depleted which is a thermal shock to bait and fish which areaccustomed to deeper cool water having an adequate oxygen content.

In substantial contrast, the present invention provides a novel livewell apparatus and method designed to operate according to thefundamental concept of cooling the water contained in a live well tankor bait tank via coordinated communication with a generally serpentinedform heat exchanger unit accommodated as part of a water conditioningunit.

In particular contrast to the contemporary art, the present inventiondiscloses and claims a novel heat exchanger unit wherein a generallyserpentine water passageway has been formed within a continuous block ofpolyethylene. A stainless steel serpentine form of tubular conduit orother material non-toxic to aquatic life containing a pressurizedrefrigerant is then positioned within the passageway to allow waterbetween the heat exchanger unit to be routed within the passagewaymaintaining continuous contact with the tubular conduit allowing for amaximized heat exchange within the passageway prior to the water exitingthe heat exchange unit and returning to the bait or live well as taughtbe and claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a system, method andapparatus herein, discloses and claims a refrigerant based heatexchanger means provided in conjunction with a circulating pump andconduit arrangement for withdrawing water from a live well or bait tank,filtering the water and transporting the withdrawn water through a waterconditioning unit to cool the water, returning the cooled and filteredwater to the live well or bait tank. A water spray arrangement oroxygenation system may also be associated with the circulation systemfor returning the cooled water into the tank to aerate the water.

Over recent years, recreational and sport fishing has grown considerablyin popularity as well as sophistication with the advent of morescientifically-designed fishing equipment and techniques. As part ofthis trend, various technical and design improvements in recreationalfishing boats have evolved, one such improvement being the provision ofan inboard water reservoir or tank, commonly referred to as a “livewell,” for containing a quantity of water in which to store capturedfish or bait in hopes of maintaining them alive for a reasonable periodof time in captivity.

Conventional live wells provided in modern recreational fishing boatstypically provide a battery-operated electric water pump for selectivelyfilling the tank with water drawn from a lake (or ocean) and an overflowdischarge line to maintain a maximum level of water in the tank andprevent overfilling thereof. More sophisticated live wells also providea pump-operated aeration system for withdrawing water contained in thetank and spraying it in return into the tank to replenish any oxygenfrom the water consumed by fish or bait stored therein. An electrictiming device is sometimes provided to periodically actuate andde-actuate the aeration system. In addition, it is normally necessary inpractice to periodically operate the fill pump for the tank to dischargethrough the overflow line fish scales, slime secretions and wastedischarges which captured fish typically expel in their normally excitedstate after being placed in the live well. A timing device may thereforealso be provided in conjunction with the live well fill pump toautomatically perform this overflow discharge periodically.

Despite the above-described provisions in the most sophisticatedconventional live wells for maintaining a relatively clean body ofcontained water in the live well and for continuously aerating thewater, experience has shown that even the most sophisticated live wellsare incapable of reliably maintaining captured fish alive for more thanone to three hours. The severity of this problem can be affected bynumerous factors, including the particular species of fish involved, thecondition and excited nature of the fish, the condition of the waterutilized in the live well including for instance its oxygen content andtemperature, etc., all of which make it difficult to evaluate anddetermine the reason or reasons for this problem.

Fish located in the live well are typically from water cooler intemperature than that experienced in a live well. Consequently, a majordeficiency with conventional live wells is that once the live well isfilled with fluid, the temperature of the fluid will eventually reach orexceed ambient air temperature and/or the temperature of water fromwhich the fish has been removed. The present invention addresses thisdeficiency and advances the art by reducing the temperature of the fluidin the live well via refrigerant based cooling unit to maintain atemperature closer to the normal habitat of the fish and reduce thelikelihood of shocking the fish.

It is theorized that one of the principal causes of problems inmaintaining captured fish alive is the excited nature of the fish whenplaced in a generally enclosed live well or similar tank. As mentionedabove, in this excited condition, fish tend to lose some portion oftheir scales and their natural slime secretions as well as to dischargebodily wastes and even to vomit the contents of their digestive tracts.All of this foreign matter in the water in a live well poses a danger tothe fish in that the foreign matter may become lodged in the fish'sgills during normal breathing. Moreover, the excited nature of the fishsignificantly increases its metabolism causing it to utilize oxygen fromthe water at a significantly increased rate. Finally, it is known thatfish are relatively sensitive to the temperature of the ambient body ofwater and, therefore, any difference in the temperature of the water inthe live well from that of the surrounding ambient body of water,particularly when the live well water is elevated, may exacerbate theexcited condition of the fish. As distinguished from the instantinvention, conventional live wells make essentially no provision forcompensating for any of these factors, other than the afore describedprovision of water overflow and refilling of the live well and anaeration system for replenishing oxygen to the water contained in thelive well.

Occasionally ice is used as a cooling agent but commercially made icegenerally contains chlorine, fluorine and other chemicals which arefatal to bait and fish and further most waters supplied for human usecontain chemicals, such as chlorine, which cause the death of aquaticlife. More often than not, no effort is made to precisely controltemperature as well as the oxygen content of the water containing baitand fish and both of these elements require precise control to preservebait and fish in an alive condition. As is known, the temperature ofwater is inversely proportional to the amount of oxygen that the watercontains and this is commonly overlooked by a fisherman in carrying hisbait and fish about. It is a common practice for fisherman to fill hisbait and/or fish bucket from a water source such as a lake at hisfishing site and in summer the surface water is relatively hot andoxygen depleted which is a thermal shock to bait and fish which areaccustomed to deeper cool water having an adequate oxygen content.

In substantial contrast, the present invention provides a novel livewell apparatus and method designed to operate according to concepts ofcleaning, oxygenating and cooling the water contained in the live welltank to a temperature approximately the natural aquatic habitat ofcaptured gamefish to be stored in the tank in an enhanced mannerunparalleled in the contemporary art. As used throughout the presentapplication, the terms “bait tank”, “live well”, “live well tank” and“tank” are used interchangeably and synonymously and are intended torefer to the water restraining portions of the tank herein disclosed.Said “tank” encompassing both first and second water compartments asindicated throughout the present application. In so doing the captivelife of the fish is prolonged by effectively calming any excitedtendency of the fish to reduce or even eliminate the above-describedwaste discharges and other foreign matter in the live well which in theinstance of the present application is comprised in coordinatedcommunication of a refrigerant compressor, condenser, flow controlvalve, evaporator, water conditioning component and thermostaticcontrols.

Consequently it is an object of the instant invention to provide atemperature management system for a live well which automaticallyreduces temperature of the fluid in the live well to sustain fish placedtherein for extended periods. Another object of the instant invention isto allow a user to operate the apparatus effectively with no knowledgeof appropriate liquid temperature required to sustain the fish.

Yet another object is to rely upon automatic thermostatic control toeffectuate water circulation via recirculating pump, through a waterconditioning unit containing refrigerant to reach and maintain a desiredwater temperature.

A further object of the instant invention is to cool the water in a livewell so that the temperature of the water is closer to the watertemperature where fish normally reside to increase the likelihood thatfish placed in the live well will survive for extended periods.

Yet another object of the instant invention is to provide a heatexchanger utilizing a refrigerant to cool live well water to atemperature at, or below that from which a fish has been immediatelywithdrawn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An enhanced tank, filtration and water conditioning system for a baittank is disclosed comprising a bait tank having a top, a bottom and anessentially oval shaped exterior wall connecting the top and bottom ofthe tank, first and second interior water compartments separated fromone another and the wall, top and bottom of the portions of the tank viarip a second interior wall and a second interior bottom, acompartmentalized filtration unit removably accommodated within theinterior portion of the second compartment, filtration unit inflow andoutflow water conduits with each of said conduits communicably attachingsaid filtration unit to said first and said second interiorcompartments; a pump means for circulating water from said firstcompartment into and through said second compartment and returning saidcirculating water to said first compartment and alternatively/optionallythe tank as further disclosed connected to a water conditioning meanspurposed to withdraw water from the tank regulated in a manner tosustain a water temperature necessary to sustain life of fish placedwithin the tank and re-introduce the conditioned water back to the tank.Consequently it is an object of the instant invention to provide atemperature management system for a live well which automaticallyreduces temperature of the fluid in the live well to sustain fish placedtherein for extended periods.

Another object of the instant invention is to allow a user to operatethe apparatus effectively with no knowledge of appropriate liquidtemperature required to sustain the fish.

Yet another object is to rely upon automatic thermostatic control toeffectuate water circulation via recirculating pump, through a waterconditioning unit containing refrigerant to reach and maintain a desiredwater temperature.

A further object of the instant invention is to cool the water in a livewell so to cause the temperature of the water to approximate to thewater temperature where fish normally reside and thus increase thelikelihood that fish placed in the live well will survive for extendedperiods.

Yet another object of the instant invention is to provide a heatexchanger with a generally serpentined contour water passageway with thewater passageway positioned in a manner to generally surround aserpentine form tubular conduit containing a pressurized refrigerant tocool water withdrawn from a bait tank or live well to a temperature at,or below that from which a fish has been withdrawn.

A further object of the instant invention is to provide a live well tankcomprised of a plurality of interior water compartments whichfacilitates enhanced filtering and capture of fish scales and other fishwaste.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide an enhancedfiltering system which not only captures fish scales and other fishwaste but further allows more introduction of supplemental oxygen or airmeans to a water flow destined returned to interior water compartmentcontaining fish at a level below the surface of water contained therein.

Yet another object of the instant invention is to teach, disclose andclaim a bait tank having a top, bottom, essentially oval shaped exteriorwall connecting the top and bottom of the tank as well as an essentiallyoval shaped interior wall distanced sufficiently from the oval shapedexterior wall to allow a displacement therebetween of an insulatingmaterial.

A further object of the instant invention is to allow the introductionof an insulation material to the tank described herein which isfiberglass.

Another object of the instant invention is to allow the introduction ofan insulation material to the tank described herein which is a gaseouscompound.

An additional object of the instant invention is to allow theintroduction of an insulation material to the tank described hereinwhich is an expandable foam compound.

Another object of the instant invention is to teach a bait tank whichfurther comprises one or more tubular rod holder affixed to the tank'sexterior wall.

Yet another object of the instant invention is to teach a bait tankwherein a tank interior bottom (referred to synonymously andinterchangeably herein as second interior bottom) is spaced sufficientlyfrom an exterior tank bottom to allow insertion therebetween of aninsulating material and a return channel for water to be directed to afiltration unit purposed to remove fish scales and other fish waste.

Another object of the instant invention is to teach a system by whichtwo entirely separate circulatory systems may be incorporated to firstallow for enhanced filtration of water within the bait tank and secondlyan independent system to allow for water conditioning wherein said waterconditioning is purposed to provide consistency of water temperature bya refrigerant based cooling means to approximate the temperature ofwater from which fish have been removed and to enhance their life span.

Yet a further object of the instant invention is to teach an enhancedfiltration and water conditioning system for a bait tank wherein thebait tank of the system may be used independently of the waterconditioning facility herein disclosed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference,and which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certainembodiments of the invention and, together with the detaileddescription, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in thisapplication to the details of construction and to the arrangement so thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. For example, though the tank of the instant invention has beentested extensively utilizing two separate and distinct interior watercompartments, it will become readily apparent to one skilled in the artthat the invention may be practiced substantially similar mannerproducing a substantially similar result utilizing a single interiorwater compartment as opposed to the two interior compartments.Consequently, the invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which thisdisclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for thedesigning of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, thereforethat the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thedesign engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar withpatent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth, inpart, in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art from the description and/or from thepractice of the invention. These together with other objects of theinvention, along with the various features of novelty which characterizethe invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexedto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding ofthe invention, its operating advantages and the specific objectsattained by its uses, reference would be had to the accompanyingdrawings, depictions and descriptive matter in which there isillustrated preferred embodiments and results of the invention.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanyingdrawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and whichconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain embodimentsof the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve toexplain the principles of the present invention.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth, inpart, in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art from the description and/or from thepractice of the invention.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference would be had to the accompanying drawings, depictions anddescriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodimentsand results of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Prior art Figure A is a parent application illustration of a live wellof the contemporary art when viewed from above.

FIG. 1 is a parent application planned view, part cross sectionillustration of a live well embodiment of the invention when viewed fromabove.

FIG. 2 is a parent application illustration and illustrating functionalcomponents of the invention and circulatory water flow path associatedtherewith.

FIG. 3 is a parent application block diagram of water conditioningelements of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a parent application electrical schematic supporting the waterflow and water conditioning system of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a parent application electrical schematic supporting the waterflow and water conditioning system of FIGS. 2 and 3 when configured in aboat with auxiliary power unit capability.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the tank of the instant inventiondisclosing externally viewed elements of the invention and connection ofthe inventions tank to a water conditioning unit.

FIG. 7 is a top view illustration of the tank of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cut-away illustration of the tank of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional view of the filtration unit illustratedin FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9 through 10C are detailed views illustrating various views offiltering element components used in association with the enlarged viewof the filtration unit of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 11 is an illustration showing the bait tank of the instantinvention practiced in combination with the water conditioning unit ofthe invention.

FIG. 12 is a left rear perspective view of the water conditioning unitof the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the water conditioning unit of the instantinvention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view illustration of the instant inventionshowing the tubular generally serpentine formed tubular conduitcontaining refrigerant and phantom and the generally serpentined waterpassageway incorporated within the solid pieced base of the waterconditioning unit.

FIG. 15 is an assembled right rear perspective view of the waterconditioning unit heat exchanger illustrating further o-ring sealgenerally serpentine shaped tubular conduit containing refrigerant andgenerally serpentined form passageway in phantom.

FIG. 16 is a cutaway plan view of the water passageway and tubularconduits containing refrigerant shown with respective passage flowsindicated by solid and waved arrows.

FIG. 17 is a right rear see-through view of the water conditioning unitof the instant invention illustrating for relationally purposedcondenser unit and water conditioning cover in phantom and waterpassageway, tubular conduit and o-ring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Prior art Figure A is an illustration of a live well of the contemporaryart when viewed from above. As used herein, the terms “firstcompartment” and “live well” are used interchangeably and synonymouslyas are the terms “second compartment” and “water conditioningcompartment”. Turning to prior art Figure A, the live well of thecontemporary art is generally indicated by number 10 wherein such livewells are typically constructed of molded polyurethane material and haveencased within their inner wall 15 and outer wall 16 insulation 11.Further, live wells of the contemporary art 10 typically have anoverflow outlet 13 which provides for an exiting of fluid from the tankat a pre-determined level. Said overflow outlet 13 is typicallyconnected to an exiting means such as a flexible tubular structure, suchas a rubber hose which allows for the traversing of fluid entering thehose from the live well 10 through the hose and exiting out an oppositeend of the hose into a body of water upon which the boat containing saidlive well rests. Element 12 with respect to prior art Figure Aillustrates a filling mechanism which is typically located within theinterior portion of said live well 10 and is attached to an upwardlydirected pipe-like structure when said inlet 12 rests upon the bottom ofsaid live well 10. FIG. 1 is a parent application planned view, partcross section illustration of a live well embodiment of the inventionwhen viewed from above. Turning now to FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1 distinctions between the live well of the contemporary art aspresented in prior art Figure A can be readily appreciated and observed.In the illustrative embodiment of the instant invention depicted in FIG.1, live well of the instant invention is generally referred to as 20.The live well 20 further comprises insulating material 21 and an inletfilling means 32. Said filling means to be discussed in further detailin association with FIG. 2. The live well of the instant invention asillustrated in FIG. 1 also discloses a conditioned water inlet 25 andconditioned water outlet 26. A temperature sensing means 27 is alsodisclosed in association with FIG. 1 and will be further discussed inassociation with FIGS. 2 through 6. FIG. 2 illustrates functionalcomponents of the instant invention and circulatory water flow pathassociated therewith. Turning now to FIG. 2.

In FIG. 2 water is first introduced to the interior portion of the livewell tank 10 via water inlet 32. Said inlet 32 is typically structuredas a piping means utilized in conjunction with one or more pumpingmotors 38,39 to introduce water via conduits 11 to the internal portionof live well 10 until a desired depth has been achieved. The pipingstructure provides an attachment means 24 by which the piping structuremay be removed or otherwise altered to allow quick and expedientdrainage of any fluid contained within the interior portion of live well10. Also shown in FIG. 2 is an optional refresh pumping means 31 whereinwater may enter the internal portion of live well 10 via water flowconduit 11 having first served as a conduit vehicle through which wateris pumped from a water body through refresh pump 31 continuing through arefresh water inlet 32 which traverses from the internal portion of livewell 10 to said pump's external surface where it is connected to saidwater flow conduit 11. Once water has been introduced into the internalportion of live well 10 and a desired depth realized, the water iscirculated through water flow conduit 34 via electric pumps 38 and 39.Said electric pumps can work independently or in conjunction with oneanother depending upon a flow rate necessary to precipitate liquidcooling of water first introduced into internal area of live well 10.Water housed within the internal portion of live well 10 exits said livewell through water flow conduit 34 traversing optional filter 40 andthen selectively passes through either or both pumps 38 and 39. Uponpassing through said pumps, water continues on a circulatory pathentering water conditioning compartment 28 which is designed to removedesired heat from water traversing said water flow conduit 34 viarefrigerant means. Further detail with respect to the disclosure of theinvention's refrigerant based heat exchanger means will be provided inassociation with discussion of FIGS. 3 through 5.

Continuing with FIG. 2, it can be seen that functional components of theinstant invention comprise of a pair of transportable compartmentshaving internal portions therein where the first of said compartments isa live well 10 containing water that is a natural habitat for bait orfish and a temperature probe 27 determining and controlling thetemperature of said water. The second of said compartments is a waterconditioning compartment 28 which has an internal portion 42 furthercomprised of a tubular conductor 57 in communication with an evaporator58, compressor and condenser forming a heat exchanger, said heatexchanger (not illustrated in FIG. 2) but discussed in detail inassociation with FIG. 3. Refrigerant traverses the internal portion ofthe tubular conductor 57 (herein synonymously referred to withoutlimitation as tubular water conditioning device) and via circulatingwater pumps 38 and/or 39 circulates water toward the internal portion ofthe live well 10. Subsequent and concurrent cooling of water occurs viacommunication with said water's cooling via communication with said heatexchanger means housed adjacent to water flow with second compartment28. FIG. 3 provides additional detail with respect to refrigerationmeans by which water is cooled utilizing the teachings of the instantinvention. Turning now to FIG. 3.

As seen in FIG. 3, water first enters the water conditioning compartment28 via water flow conduit 34. Once introduced to the internal portion ofsecond compartment 28, water contained in the internal portion of waterflow conduit 34 passes in close, though separate proximity, to arefrigerant used in association with evaporator 58. It is known andappreciated by those skilled in the art, close proximity passage istypically facilitated via the traversing of a tubular structuresurrounding flexible piping or other similarly intended structures whichare capable of transporting compressed refrigerant. Without limitation,the instant invention through extensive testing has been found to rendereffective performance when utilizing hydrochlorofluorocarbon,hydrofluorocarbon, chlorofluorocarbon or Tetrafluroroethane (R134a)based refrigerants. The flow of refrigerant through refrigeration meansis well known to those skilled in the art but is generally depicted as arefrigerant contained within structure 51, with said refrigerant's flowthermostatically controlled via a sensing mechanism 27 used inconjunction with a thermostatic control 56, thus precipitating therunning of condenser 50 propelling refrigerant contained within conduit51 through compressor 53, control valve 55 and continuing therefrom toevaporator 58. The water conditioning compartment is comprised of acompound coil tubular design whereas water flow through the inner tubeelement is in very close proximity (usually less than 0.005 inch) to theouter tube element which serves as the heat transferring device of thisunit.

FIG. 4 illustrates an electrical schematic wherein the teachings of theinstant invention are provided in association with a marine vehicleutilizing direct current to circulate water via at least one electricalpump using said direct current. Turning now to FIG. 4.

In FIG. 4 electrical circuitry descriptiveness is provided with detailto disclose electrical components and connections associated therewithto allow practice of the instant invention wherein element 70 relates toone or more marine batteries; 71 a system power relay; 72 a 1600 wattinverter; 73 refrigeration components; 75 system control switch; 76 pumpselect switch; 77 analog to digital converter and LCD (light emittingdiode) display; 78 DC compressor contactor; 79 holding tank thermostatand 80 alert thermostat. Element 81 is an audio alert for 70° F.temperature or low battery indication 82, terminal strip 83 is a 30 ampcircuit breaker, 84 is a temperature probe and 85 inline fuses. Holdingtank thermostat 79 will remain closed activating refrigerationcomponents 73 until the holding tank water of the live well reaches atemperature of 60° F. Thermostat then opens deactivating therefrigerating process. The system is designed to cycle in and around thepreset desired temperature of 60° F.

FIG. 5 illustrates an electrical schematic for boats wherein alternatingcurrent is provided to drive water circulation and cooling associatedwith practices of the instant invention. Turning now to FIG. 5.

In FIG. 5 it is seen where components and circuitry notation well knownto those skilled in the art is provided for the purposes of a full andenabling disclosure. In FIG. 5, element 90 denotes an auxiliary powerunit delivering 115 volts alternating current 60 hertz generating 2000watts. Element 91 is a low voltage 24 AC step down transformer; 92 is anair conditioning power contactor; 93 is a 115 VAC, 60 watt rectifierwith output of 12 volts direct current, 10 amps; 94 the circulatory pumpor pumps of the invention; 95 system on/off switch; 96 pump selecton/off switch; 97 compressor and condenser fan contactor; 98 holdingtank thermostat which through extensive experimentation opens at 60° F.;99 is an alert thermostat which through extensive experimentation closesat approximately 70° F.; 100 audio alert denoting 70° F. temperature;101 is a 20 amp circuit breaker; 102 is refrigeration components asdiscussed and disclosed in association with FIG. 3; 103 is temperatureprobe, 104 an inline fuses 5 amp, and 105 an analog to digital converterand LED temperature display.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the tank of the instant inventiondisclosing externally viewed elements of the invention and connection ofthe inventions tank to a water conditioning unit which will be furtherdiscussed in association with FIGS. 12 through 17. Turning now to FIG.6.

In FIG. 6 the bait tank of the instant invention is illustrated aselement 100. The bait tank 100 further comprises a top 108, an exteriorbottom 105 and an essentially oval shaped exterior wall 103 connectingthe top 108 and bottom 105. The bait tank as illustrated in FIG. 6 isfurther shown accommodating a first interior water compartment 109 andsecond interior water compartment 111. First and second interior watercompartments 109, 111 are communicably connected by at least two watertraversable conduits (not shown in FIG. 6). A water conditioning unit 28may be communicably attached to the tank 100 via inlet and outlet waterconditioning conduits 34 which allow for water to be extracted from theinternal portion of tank 100 passed through the water conditioning unit28 and returned to the tank in a conditioned/cooled state. Optionallyattached to the exterior wall 103 of bait tank 100 are shown one or morefishing rod holders 115 which are generally displaced about thecircumference of external wall 103. A first interior water compartmenttop lid 110 is shown and is pivotally or otherwise attached to the tanktop 108 to cover or otherwise seal an appropriately dimensioned aperture113 providing access to the first internal portion 109 of the tank 100.Also shown in FIG. 6 is a second interior compartment top lid 112 whichis also pivotally attached to top 108 and provides access to the secondinternal/interior water compartment 111 via access aperture 119.

FIG. 7 is a top view illustration of the tank of FIG. 6. Turning now toFIG. 7.

In FIG. 7 an essentially oval shaped interior wall 203 is observed,distanced and positioned sufficiently from the oval shaped exterior wall103 to allow displacement therebetween of an insulating material 125.Interior wall 203 is connected to the interior portion of top 108 and atank second interior bottom 204 with said tank interior bottom 204 beingdistinguishably distinct from exterior bottom 105 and discussed anddisclosed in further detail in association with FIGS. 8 and 8A. Thetanks filtration unit 270 is shown accommodated within the secondinterior water compartment 111 with water unit inflow conduit 230 andoutflow conduit 210.

FIG. 8 is a cut-away illustration of the tank of FIG. 7. Turning now toFIG. 8.

In FIG. 8 the surface water level inside first water compartment 109 isshown as element 315. The second interior bottom 204 is shown displacedfrom tank bottom 105 resulting in the presentation of a returning waterchannel 230 (a.k.a. filtration unit inflow). Also shown in FIG. 8 is aninsulating material 125 which substantially surrounds tank 100 on thebottom and opposite sides of the tank in a manner consistent with intentto maintain water temperature within tank 100. The return water channelfloor 230 is shown sufficiently distant from openings 106 in theinterior bottom 204 to allow water to traverse downwardly from the firstinterior water compartment 109 with said water in descending flowthrough or openings 106 entering into channel 230 and subsequentlyintroduced to the second interior water compartment containingfiltration unit 270. Details with respect to water circulation flow andsaid second filtration unit are further explained in accordance withFIG. 8A. Turning now to FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional view of the filtration unit illustratedin FIG. 8. In FIG. 8A it is shown where water inflow conduit 230 isutilized to introduce water flow 211 to the filtration unit. The water211 so introduced proceeds operably through a pipe-like structure 272emptying from said structure at 272 at 211.1 into a first filtrationsection 250. Said water flow 211 is illustrated as exiting the pipe-likestructure 272 within the first filtering section 250 and then traversingoutwardly through openings 251 which will be further discussed inassociation with FIGS. 10 through 10B and then continuing in adescending manner, through a second filtration element 276. Firstfiltration element shown as 213 is generally positioned on thebottommost surface of the first filtering section 250 and is comprisedof a porous or otherwise fluid traversable membrane to allow water topass through the membrane while retaining fish waste, such as, but notlimited to, scales and other non-desired elements. Having traversed saidfiltering means 270, filtered water is pumped by a pumping means 311 toa water outflow conduit 310 entering into conduit means 210 whichre-introduces the water to the first interior compartment of the tank109 at a desired level above or below the surface 315 contained therein(level shown is below, but easily adaptable to above water surface).Further shown in FIG. 8A is an air infusion means 400 comprising of anair conduit 400 connected to an air pump 401 (FIG. 8) which allows astream of oxygenated air or other gas to enter filtered water stream 310prior to being re-introduced to the first internal water compartment oftank 109.

FIGS. 9 through 10C are detailed views illustrating various views offiltering element components used in association with the enlarged viewof the filtration unit of FIG. 8A. Turning now to FIGS. 9 through 10C.

In FIG. 9 the pipe-like structure 272 introduces unfiltered water tofiltering compartment 270 at displacement point 271. A second filteringsystem is shown as element 276. Leg supports 278 which are insertablypositioned within the second water compartment are shown. As furtherdisclosed in FIG. 9, pipe-like structure 272 serves as a conduit wherewater is introduced to the filter 270 and exits pipe-like structure 272via orifice 271. FIGS. 9A through 9C disclose and illustrate the filterelements, components and their structural relationships in furtherdetail as discussed in accordance with FIG. 9 via varying illustrationperspectives.

FIG. 10 provides enhanced detail with respect to filtering element 250where openings 251 in the element 250 are shown to allow rapidevacuation of water introduced to the filtering element 250 via conduit272 and exiting orifice 271. As indicated in association with FIG. 9,first filtering element 276 is a porous membrane or hard surfacefiltering composition to allow passage therethrough of water purposed toretain waste and other non-desired elements from returning to the tanksfirst section containing fish. FIGS. 10A through 10C disclose andillustrate the elements, components and structural relationship of saidfiltering compartment defined in FIG. 10 and further specificity asillustrated in varying illustration perspectives.

The enhanced filtration and water conditioning system for bait tanks(100, FIG. 11) as presented in one or more embodiments of the instantinvention may be combined with a water conditioning unit (700, FIG. 11)to maintain a desired/consistent water temperature.

The present invention contemplates utilization of it's unique and novelwater conditioning unit containing a generally serpentined form waterpassageway to accommodate a generally serpentined form stainless steeltubular conduit with any or all water conditioning embodiments disclosedherein. Of particular relevance and disclosed in association with theinstant application is the diminutive exterior dimensions of theinvention's water conditioning unit 700. By constructing the instantinvention as herein disclosed, it is noted that obvious largerembodiments may be presented. To address varying cooling requirements(capacity) the inventor, through extensive testing, has enhanced the artof water conditioning by providing, disclosing and claiming a waterconditioning unit with exterior dimensions not exceeding that of avolume representing one cubic foot. The diminutive size of theinvention's water conditioning unit is noteworthy in that it's practicemay be had with respect to installation environments lacking in physicalspace such as fishing boats, most particularly bass boats and smalldockside applications. It is to be noted, however, that discussionregarding the embodiment of the instant invention where the size of thewater conditioning unit's outside dimensions do not exceed one foot byone foot by one foot, no such claim or disclosure limitation is hereinimplied or expressed.

The instant invention is readily combined with the water conditioningunit discussed in association with FIGS. 11 through 17 wherein the baittank of the instant invention further comprises attaching said waterconditioning unit 70 via input and output water conduits (714, 717). Thewater conditioning compartment then having in combination a tubularconductor in communication with an evaporator, compressor and condenserto form a heat exchanger and a refrigerant traversing the serpentineform positioned within a serpentined form water passageway tubularconductor as well as a means for circulating water from the first watercompartment through the water conditioning unit, cooling the waterthereby.

Referring now to FIG. 12 where a left rear view perspective of the waterconditioning unit of the instant invention is disclosed. In FIG. 11 thewater conditioning unit of the instant invention is generally defined aselement 700. Water conditioning unit is shown comprising a case 703which covers the internal portions of water conditioning unit 700. Thebottom of case 703 rests upon the top of the heat exchanger 707 of thewater conditioning unit 700. Base of the water conditioning unit 709 iscommunicably attached to the top 707 via screws or other suitableconnection means as will be discussed in association with FIGS. 15 and17. As discussed in association with FIGS. 1 through 11 the waterconditioning unit 700 of the present invention can be and is attached toa bait tank or live well via input 714 and output 717 conduits. Thewater conditioning compartment has a tubular conduit 722 containingrefrigerant in communication with a direct or alternating currentcompressor 720, a condenser 719, and a heat exchanger generallydescribed as 750. Heat exchanger 750 has an attachable top section 707,a base portion 709 and o-ring seal displaced therebetween (not shownFIG. 11-discussed in detail in association with FIGS. 14 through 17).The inlet water conduit 714 of the water conditioning unit 700introduces water withdrawn from bait tank (not shown FIG. 11) into acirculating pump 715 which may be driven by alternating current ordirect current. Once traversing, the circulating pump 715, the inputwater conditioning conduit exits pump 715 as conduit 716 and introduceswater contained therein to the internal portion of the invention's novelheat exchanging unit 750 which will be discussed in detail inassociation with FIGS. 14 through 17. Having traversed, the internalportion of the heat exchange unit 750 water is routed through theinternal portion of water conditioning unit and exits the internalportion via output water conditioning conduit 717 returning to a baittank, live well or other containment vessel purposed to contain water tobe processed by the water conditioning unit 700 of the presentinvention. In FIG. 11, a water conditioning base plate 718 is typicallymade out of thermoplastic material similar to but not limited to thepolyethylene material comprising cover 703 and heat exchange portion 750of the water conditioning unit 700. The tubular conduit containingrefrigerant 721 enters condenser 719 where it is cooled via serpentinecoils contained 721 within the condenser 719 and exits condenser 719 asa low pressure fluid. The low pressure fluid now contained within 721next passes through dryer 723 prior to being introduced to expansionvalve 731 which converts low pressure fluid into a high pressure fluidcontinuing through expansion valve 732 and entering into the heatexchanging unit 750 of the present invention. Said expansion valve 731introduces the high pressure fluid via tubular conduit section 732 intothe internal portion heat exchanger unit 750 of the present invention ata rate satisfying an on-demand appropriately measured flow of highpressure fluid to insure adequate cooling capacity within heat exchanger750. Exiting the heat exchange unit 750 the refrigerant has beenconverted into a low pressure gas by virtue of it's association with avolume to be cooled (water) and enters condenser 720 whereupon it iscompressed on and transformed upon demand into a high pressure gasexiting said condenser as tubular conduit 721 and reintroduced intocondenser 719. Further shown on FIG. 11 are one or more cooling fans 715which are used to draw ambient air through the fins or coils ofcondenser 719 to transition refrigerant 721 into the afore noted lowpressure fluid. The component base 718 is attached to the top 707portion of heat exchanger unit 750 via screws, epoxy or other suitableconnecting means which will allow for a bonding affect that precludetravel of base 718 once so attached. Isolators 740 are shown to furthersupport components and minimize any jarring affect to such componentswhen the water conditioning unit 700 of the present invention is placedupon a vehicle subject to intermittent shock or jarring travel. Lastlyshown, on FIG. 11 is control box 728. Said control box 728 is well knownto those skilled in the art and is intended to signal via wires 765those occasions where condenser 720 pump 715 fans 735 and thermostaticcontrol require activation due to a heat differential sensing means.Though not shown in FIG. 11, the thermostatic heat control meanspresetting and maintaining upper and lower reference temperatures forwater contained in the bait tank of the instant invention are known tothose skilled in the art. A non-limiting examples of such control meansfor presetting and maintaining upper and lower temperatures for water inthe bait tank or live well of the instant invention would be thermostatsproduced by the Ranco Corporation, similar to Ranco Model 0304-20thermostats.

With respect to the configuration of the instant invention it is to beappreciated that though larger scale sizing may be afforded simply byincreasing the size of relative component structures of the waterconditioning unit 700 of the instant invention the novel aspect of theinstant invention is the configuration and external dimension sizingwherein the instant invention in one embodiment occupies less than onecubic foot of volume. Accounting for the novelty and size of the instantinvention and configuration of components as disclosed herein wheresizing examples would include but not be limited by ITT CorporationJetflow Water Pump Model R4105-512; Dan Foss Corporation Compressor andcontrol box model number BD50F; Tecumseh Corporation Condenser ModelAEA3414YXAXA-489-50639 and SUPPCO Co. Expansion Valve 6823202 (TF2).

FIG. 13 discloses a plan view of the water conditioning unit of theinstant invention. Turning now to FIG. 13. In FIG. 13 it is seen wherethe configuration of the embodiment disclosed in association with FIGS.11 and 12 viewed from an overhead perspective. Further shows 713 reflectthe flow direction of refrigerant within conduit sections 722, 721, and730.

FIGS. 14 through 17 illustrate the proprietary and novel heat exchangerunit 750 of the instant invention (Model FK1129-01). In FIGS. 14 through17 its seen where tubular conduit section 722 containing refrigerantpasses through top section 707 of the instant invention through anappropriately dimensioned aperture. In FIG. 14 the conduit section 722is shown in phantom revealing its generally serpentine shape which iscomprised of alternating directions ‘u’ section loops. It is to be notedthat greater or lesser number of loops of serpertine form may beassociated with the practice of the instant invention depending upon theamount of refrigerant required to traverse through the internal portionof exchange unit 750. Shown in FIGS. 14 through 17 are screws 752 whichtraverse through top portion 707 and enter into portion 709 via orifices754 securing top portion 707 to bottom portion 709 with an o-ring seal711 interspaced therebetween to insure watertight connection of said top707 to bottom 709. It is to be noted in FIGS. 14 through 17 that thegenerally serpentine shape water passageway 755 has been molded and/orrouted into the consistently formed unitary block of thermo plastic orother similar material proving nontoxic to marine or fresh water aquaticlife and has been formed and integrated into the bottom portion 709 ofthe heat exchange unit. In FIG. 15 it is shown where top 707 has beenattached by screws 752 to bottom portion 709 and o-ring 711 (phantom)displaced there between. Watertight conduit 716 is shown purposed tointroduce water to the water passageway section 755 with the tubularconduit 722 matched to and reciprocally received within the serpentineform of said water passageway 755. Succinctly stated, the serpentineconduit containing refrigerant 722 is formed and positioned to fitwithin the routed, molded or otherwise serpentine formed waterpassageway 755 of heat exchange unit base 709.

FIG. 16 the heat exchange unit 750 of the instant invention is shown infurther detail wherein the circulating paths of refrigerant containedwithin conduit 722 are illustrated by arrows 722.1 and water flow withinwater flow passageway 755 is illustrated by arrow 755.1. In FIGS. 16 and17 it becomes clearer that the novel concept of the generally serpentinetubular conduit containing refrigerant and generally serpentine shapedwater passageway allow for a maximization of water contact and coolingeffect duration of water within water passageway with the conduitcontaining refrigerant 722 thus affording the instant inventiondiminutive size while providing maximum cooling capacity.

FIG. 17 lastly illustrates for purposes of convenience and illustrativedisclosure the water conditioning unit 750 of the instant inventionattached to water conditioning unit cover 703 shown in phantom. Thecover section 703 of water conditioning unit 700 is generally though notlimitedly affixed by clips, clamps or other suitable devices to allowfor rapid attachment and/or disengagement of said cover 703 to waterconditioning unit heat exchange portion 750.

It will of course be understood that various changes may be made inform, details, arrangement and proportions of the apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, which generally statedconsists of an apparatus capable of carrying out the objects above setforth, in the parts and combination of parts as disclosed and defined inthe appended claims.

1. An enhanced filtration and water conditioning system for a bait tankcomprising: (a) a bait tank having a top, a bottom and an essentiallyoval shaped exterior wall connecting the top and bottom of the tank; (b)first and second interior water compartments separated from one anotherby a common wall essentially isolating said first and second interiorwater compartments from one another within the interior portion of saidtank; (c) an essentially oval shaped interior wall connected to the topof the tank, the common wall and a second interior bottom of the tankpositioned above the interior bottom of said bait tank: (d) a dualcompartment filtration unit removably accommodated within the secondinterior water compartment, said filtration unit having inflow andoutflow water conduits with each of said conduits communicably attachingsaid filtration unit to said first and said second interior watercompartments; (e) a propulsion means for circulating water from saidfirst compartment into and through said second compartment and returningsaid circulating water to said first compartment; and, (f) a waterconditioning unit attached to the bait tank via input and output waterconditioning conduits, a water conditioning compartment having agenerally serpentined pattern tubular conduit containing a refrigerantin communication with a direct current compressor, a condenser, a heatexchanger having attachable top and base portions with an o-ring sealdisplaced therebetween and partially containing said tubular conduitcontaining refrigerant in communication with water discharged from theinternal portion of said bait tank; and, a pumping means for circulatingwater from an internal portion of said bait tank through the waterconditioning unit and then traversing a generally serpentined patternedwater passageway within the internal portion of the heat exchangercausing said water to be in communication with the external surface ofthe generally serpentined pattern tubular conduit containing refrigerantand then returning said circulating water to said tank.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the generally serpentined patterned tubular conduit iscomprised of material non-toxic to salt or fresh water aquatic lifeforms.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the bait tank further comprisesone or more tubular rod holders affixed to tank's exterior wall.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the bait tank further comprises first andsecond interior compartment lid covers pivotally attached to the top ofsaid bait tank and each selectively covering a cutaway portion of thetop of said tank.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a controlmeans for presetting and maintaining upper and lower referencetemperatures for water contained in said bait tank.
 6. An enhanced baittank filtration and water conditioning apparatus comprising: (a) a baittank having a top, a bottom and an essentially oval shaped exterior wallconnecting the top and bottom of the tank; (b) first and second interiorwater compartments separated from one another by a common wallessentially isolating said first and second interior water compartmentsfrom one another within the interior portion of said tank; (c) anessentially oval shaped interior wall connected to the top of the tank,the common wall and a second interior bottom of the tank positionedabove the interior bottom of said bait tank; (d) a dual compartmentfiltration unit removably accommodated within the second interior watercompartment, said filtration unit having inflow and outflow waterconduits with each of said conduits communicably attaching saidfiltration unit to said first and said second interior watercompartments; (e) a propulsion means for circulating water from saidfirst compartment into and through said second compartment and returningsaid circulating water to said first compartment; (f) a control meansfor presetting and maintaining upper and lower reference temperaturesfor water contained within said tank; (g) a water conditioning unitattached to the bait tank via input and output water conditioningconduits comprising a direct current compressor, a direct currentcondenser and an evaporator, a heat exchanger having a serpentinedpattern tubular conduit containing refrigerant in communication withwater discharged from the internal portion of said bait tank andevaporator; and, (h) a pumping means for circulating water dischargedfrom an internal portion of said bait tank through the waterconditioning unit causing said water to traverse along a non-linear flowpath within the internal portion of the heat exchanger parallel to andin communication with the external surface of said serpentine patternedtubular conduit containing refrigerant and returning said circulatingwater to said tank.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said serpentinedpattern tubular conduit is comprised of stainless steel.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein said serpentined pattern tubular conduit iscomprised of titanium.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the bait tankfurther comprises one or more tubular rod holders affixed to tank'sexterior wall.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the bait tankfurther comprises first and second interior compartment lid coverspivotally attached to the top of said bait tank and each selectivelycovering a cutaway portion of the top of said tank allowing access toone or more tubular rod holders affixed to tank's exterior wall.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein said control means for presetting upper andlower reference temperatures for said water in said first portion is anautomated electric timer.
 12. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein saidcontrol means for presetting upper and lower reference temperatures forsaid water in said first portion is a mechanical timer.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein said control means for presetting upper andlower reference temperatures for said water in said first portion ismanually maintained.
 14. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein saidrefrigerant is a fluorocarbon based refrigerant.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein said refrigerant is a Tetrafluroroethane basedrefrigerant.
 16. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means forcirculating said discharged water through said water conditioning unitalong a non-linear flow path parallel to and in communication with theexternal surface of said serpentined pattern tubular conduit containingrefrigerant is at least one electrical pump driven via direct current.17. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means for circulating saiddischarged water through said water conditioning unit along a non-linearflow path parallel to and in communication with the external surface ofsaid serpentined pattern tubular conduit containing refrigerant is atleast one electrical pump driven via alternating current.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein the outermost dimensions of said waterconditioning unit excluding foreign structures connected thereto do notexceed a height of 12 inches, a width of 12 inches and a length of 12inches.